does getting a small cavity filled hurt?

Yes. You will get novocain. And yes, you want to get novocain. I absolutely hate getting it. First thing I do is tell the doctor to not let me see the needle - that just makes it 10x worse. He also has a fast-acting numbing agent he swabs on my gums before doing the injection that probably helps a bit.

You'll feel the needle going in. I wouldn't say it hurts, but I get super grossed-out by it. And you can feel the novocain flowing in some. Ugh. After that, it's nothing. My dentist usually has to remind me to breathe at this point ;)

Your dentist will leave you alone while it takes effect and hopefully ask you a couple questions about how it feels to make sure you have enough in there before drilling. If you don't think you are completely numb - get more - you won't feel the needle at all at that point.

It doesn't hurt at all but it does tingle.

A lot of people dread needles. However, remember that the dentist is very experienced at giving numbing shots for dental procedures. One of my dentists had to give me a shot in my palate area (roof of the mouth) where it can often hurt because there's very little flesh there. That time it didn't hurt, and I remarked at how I'd expected pain but there was practically none. "That's because I'm good!" he told me with a smile.

Usually the dentist drills to enlarge the cavity somewhat, to make sure there's no hidden decay. It can be uncomfortable even with the Novocain shot, because of the vibrations. However, it's soon over, and further decay in that cavity will be prevented.

So pull up your socks, go to the dentist, rely on his or her experience, get your cavities filled, and roll forth renewed. Your teeth can last you a lifetime if well cared for.

It won't be too bad. I mean, the shots are basic shots but it's nothing more than a pinch. The numbing stuff works pretty quick.

It would hurt a lot more if they drilled into your teeth without a shot, wouldn't it?

Close your eyes.

maybe a pinch. you will feel it. but it's not painful. i've done them a couple times.

Make darn sure the dentist does use numbing shots. Otherwise it will hurt like h*ll.